Month: June 2019

Posted in Lessons Learned

Grateful for insults

Posted on by Rachel

Today, someone pointed out my pimples one by one and laughed in disgust.

I always wonder about people like this.

Are they incredibly honest?

Or incredibly insensitive?

Maybe incredibly stupid-for thinking I don’t have a mirror at home.

Now I’m stuck staring at my reflection wondering if I can still be an acceptable part of society since zits are so insulting to their perfection.

I look up to the moon and see the beauty of God.

And that’s all I need to remind me to cling to Him.

I whisper a prayer.

Lord, let Your Word be greater than what people say to me.

I am grateful for the comment though. I got to reasses my lifestyle, I’ve been eating too much sweets and staying up late at night.

I mean I noticed this a few days ago but hearing someone make fun of me served as a wake up call to take action in order to improve myself and be healthy.

So to the person who insulted me today, I thank you.

Posted in Quotes

How to wake up in the morning

Posted on by Rachel

I will greet this day with love in my heart. And how will I do this? Henceforth will I look on all things with love and be born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness as it enlarges my heart; yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.

~OG Mandino

Posted in Lessons Learned

Always learning…

Posted on by Rachel

Yesterday I read this verse:

“always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

2 Timothy 3:7

I felt that.

I have always loved to learn.

I want knowledge. I crave wisdom.

But this verse made me stop on my tracks.

Why am I learning?

Is it for selfish reasons?

Is it because I want to prove to others that I can be smart?

I don’t want to be ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

What is truth?

Your Word is truth.

Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life.

I don’t want to miss out on Him because of my ignorance, pride and selfish reasons.

Lord, you chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; You chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

When I’m learning, I have to seek Him first above all.

This can also serve as a reminder for us when we devour countless textbooks at school yet can’t spend 5 minutes in His word.

What does this say about us?

…always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the TRUTH…

Posted in Lessons Learned

When angry, zip your mouth.

Posted on by Rachel

This is a simple lesson I learned today.

In the middle of the day, I felt extreme pain on my abdomen. While experiencing discomfort, someone did something that provoked me.I felt extra sensitive because of the pain I was already in.

Instead of letting myself go crazy in frustration, I chose to be quiet and pray instead. I prayed for a hundredfold patience.

After some time, I got to cool off. I was relieved that I learned to shut my mouth in the midst of annoyance to avoid further conflict.

It’s not always easy, but with determination, it can be done.

Posted in Challenge

3 Day Fast: No Facebook & Twitter

Posted on by Rachel

Lately I’ve been spending too much time on Facebook and Twitter.

I read nonsense posts that leave me feeling empty inside.

My mind is filled with updates of people’s lives, their thoughts, images and feelings.

I want to have a peace of mind.

I planned on doing a fast and prayer but since I am still sick, I decided to do a “fast” on social media instead.

I will see how the 3 days go for me. If I can survive, I might even extend it up to a week.

I will share an update after the 3-day period and tell you about my experience.

One of the main reasons why I’m doing this is because I want to connect with God more deeply.

I hope to tune out the world’s voice and listen to His instead.

Posted in Questions

What is your dream job?

Posted on by Rachel

It’s ironic that I’m asked this question today as I was supposed to attend a Job Fair Event.

I wasn’t able to go because I caught a cold and was feeling extremely weak.

Processing the idea that a lot of people will be there, discouraged me to push through despite of my weakness.

Days before the event, I felt so unready for real life to begin.

I wondered why.

Is it because I might land a job I don’t like?

Or that people in the workplace might be mean?

Is fear of rejection reigning over my heart?

I don’t want to operate from a fear-based perspective. I want to have courage and a fulfilling hope for the future.

Hearing about my friends’ follow-up interviews made me genuinely happy for them. Yet, I couldn’t help but think I was missing out on something.

I thought about how different my dreams are compared to theirs.

Knowing myself I know that if ever I get a job, I NEED an occupation that allows me to be independent, communicate with people, organize, and help others( i need to see my impact first-hand). These are what’s going to make me feel fulfilled.

Now my degree is in accounting. I’m not sure how this is going to be for me…

It’s crucial to be self-aware in order for us to know what will help us function well in society.

God brought back my mind to what’s truly important, which is to serve and worship Him. And I’m grateful for the Father’s loving gesture.

I trust that God has a plan for me. He has prepared something. All I have to do is put my best feet forward and have the courage to say YES.

Posted in Questions

What was your last random act of kindness?

Posted on by Rachel

I was thinking about this question today.

And at first, I couldn’t find an answer.

How come?

Am I not paying attention enough?

Have I been so self-absorbed I didn’t have time to be kind to others?

Or is it because I am focusing on big heroic acts of kindness that I think the simplicity of my deeds don’t measure up?

This week I remember,

  • I gave a genuine smile to a stranger.
  • I said “thank you” to the waiters at the coffee shop.
  • I talked to a child who was feeling left out.
  • I made an effort to see my boyfriend even though I was feeling a bit sick.
  • I gave affection to my dogs.
  • I hugged my mom and dad.
  • I prayed for someone.

I did some retracing and reminiscing here.

I’m not sharing these to brag. I don’t think these acts are even “worthy” for me to boast about. They look pretty simple.

But there is beauty in doing little things with great love.

While pondering this question today, I came to realize that even the tiniest of deeds can impact a life.

We never know how much that stranger needed a smile or how that waiter serving our food was dead-tired but a sincere thank you from a customer lifted his spirits.

We might not realize that efforts made to spend time with loved ones will turn into memories that forever will be appreciated.

We might overlook how dogs need our affection and they crave it so much.

We never know how much our prayers helped someone.

The temptation to dismiss these deeds as meaningless may come but keep in mind they are worth more than you can ever imagine.

Posted in Movies

5 Movies You Should Watch

Posted on by Rachel

Disclaimer:  If you are a Christian, viewing discretion is advised since these are not “Christian” movies, though they do not contain explicit content.

During my adolescent years, I loved watching movies during the summer. Here are some of the movies I would watch over and over again until I memorized the script.

Ice Princess

via GIPHY

One of the reasons why Casey Carlyle had such a soft spot in my heart was because we both loved to study. I admired how she was brave enough to fight for her dreams.

I spent days dreaming that a skating rink was available were I lived. I wanted to be an ice skater too!

She’s The Man

via GIPHY

This movie is so funny and iconic! I don’t have to say more.

Aquamarine

via GIPHY

After watching this movie, my heart would often long for a summer friendship. Either that or secretly wish I was a mermaid.

A Cinderella Story

via GIPHY

What captured me in this movie was the love of Sam’s true friends for her. I also admired her growth in the movie and how she finds the courage to stand up for herself.

While You Were Sleeping

via GIPHY

No matter how many times I have watched this movie, I still laugh at the funny scenes and cry at the sad ones! This movie brings out the loneliness in me at the same time it warms my heart every time I watch it.

I know a lot will say we can’t get anything out of movies, but with the proper amount of discretion and wisdom, sometimes we can learn a thing or two from the characters. We also find connection when they are going through the same things we do.

These are some of my favorite movies. Tell me yours in the comments.

And always remember to choose your movies wisely! Happy watching!